A recap of National Seed Swap Day at Lundale Farm on Saturday, January 25th

You’d think an outdoor event on a 27-degree January day would be a tough sell, even when the ticket price is free. But for farmers and gardeners, National Seed Swap Day is well worth layering up and heading out to mingle with other growers and stock up on the heirloom seeds you can’t get any other way.

If you’re not up on your major gardening holidays, National Seed Swap Day is an annual event held on the last Saturday in January, celebrating the tradition of gardeners exchanging seeds. 

This year, Seed Savers Exchange, a non-profit dedicated to preserving heirloom plants and biodiversity, partnered with Edible Communities to host seed swapping events across the country.  

The Philadelphia area event took place at Lundale Farm, in Pottstown, Pa. Executive director Becky Patterson was the swap's co-host. Vesta Kitchen, also in Pottstown, provided a spread of cheese and crackers as well dips—including a squash hummus made from heirloom squash in the spirit of the event. 

Dorene Pasekoff, of Hill Creek Farm, noted that the seeds provided by Seed Savers Exchange weren't the usual suspects available through the catalog. These were rare treasures that “came out of the vault,” she said. The swap’s specimens included unusual tomatoes, special beans, and what Pasekoff called “the very best of the German kales.”

Pasekoff also explained the origin story of one of the seeds on offer: the Bier Garten Radish. Traditionally, this particular variety was sliced thin and placed over a thick layer of butter on dark rye. It was a popular beer garden snack in its heyday—hence its name. 

But among attendees, the buzz was strongest about the many varieties of pepper seeds. Seed Saver Exchange sent pepper seeds, but many attendees brought their favorites as well. 

Sherry Aikens, who learned how to garden by watching TikTok videos back in 2021, brought a couple of her favorite peppers to share: jigsaw peppers and peach peppers. 

“These peppers are great to dry and turn into hot pepper flakes for pizza,” said Akins. “Jigsaw peppers make the best hot sauce.” 

Some of the seeds Aikens was most excited to find at the swap included those aforementioned radishes, carrots, sunflowers, and cilantro.

In a few short years, Aikens has become the kind of gardener that epitomizes this community. 

Not only has her own garden grown from nine containers her first year to 35 containers today, she’s planning another seed swap this winter. It will be on February 8th at Abington Presbyterian Church in Abington, Pa. 

No seeds to swap? No worries. 

“People can bring their seeds, or they don't have to bring anything. They can just come and pick up seeds to start their garden,” said Aikens. 

It will likely be another cold winter day but, if Edible Philly’s seed swap was any indication, this spirit of generosity and community will definitely warm your heart—and get you excited for spring. 

Save the Date: February 8th, 10am - 1pm

Seed Swap at Abington Presbyterian Church

For more information or want to help, please contact Sherry Aikens 267-303-0181 babypopdesigns@gmail.com